With summer in full swing, many people may be wishing they could spend their Saturday by the sea.

While London is not brimming with beaches to visit, there are some peaceful and picturesque options only a short drive away.

Last week, The Times released its list of the top 50 beaches in the UK and two of them are under a two hour drive from south east London.

Both beaches are in Kent, on the south east coast of England: St Margaret’s and Stone Bay.

St Margaret’s, Kent

St. Margaret's Bay, located on the outskirts of Dover, is a charming coastal area offering a range of amenities including a café, pub and restroom facilities.

The bay is enhanced by the presence of picturesque chalky cliffs that provide a stunning backdrop.

Accessing the beach through the car park requires navigating a challenging route, featuring a steep and narrow road with blind corners.

The beach itself is predominantly composed of steeply sloping shingle, segmented by wooden groynes.

During low tide, the uncovering of rock pools presents an excellent opportunity for young adventurers to discover fascinating marine life.

Stone Bay, Kent

Stone Bay is a serene and beautiful destination, renowned for its rock-pooling opportunities and its popularity among families.

It is connected to the town of Broadstairs and the main beach at Viking Bay through a scenic promenade.

The sandy beach at Stone Bay is accompanied by chalk cliffs and offers convenient amenities such as a café, toilets, and colourful beach huts along the shoreline.

This secluded beach provides a more intimate and peaceful atmosphere, without the distractions of amusement parks, making it an ideal choice for young families seeking a delightful seaside outing.

Spanning approximately 200 meters, Stone Bay features a tranquil sandy bay, rock pools and a promenade.

Visitors can also enjoy facilities like a café, chalets available for hire, toilets and disabled access via Broadstairs Harbor at Viking Bay.